The reality of hell in this life (in this article, I’m not referring to any concept of hell in the next dimension) should be evident to anyone who has any awareness of the evil, suffering, and oppression in our world. Continue reading
(23 minutes) Read the Scripture Should Christians always forgive? The initial response of most people in the Christian faith is “Yes.” The popular understanding of Christianity seems to include the necessity of forgiveness, regardless of the magnitude of the sin or offence. And I think that’s one reason why some… Continue reading
In this article, I want to focus on the Parable of the Long Spoons relevance for the continuing and lethal legacy of America’s Original Sin of racism. Continue reading
Wouldn’t be wonderful if we really believed in the resurrection of Jesus? Really trusted with our very being the truth of Easter? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the new creation could start right now with us through how we live, how we love, and how we spread joy and hope in this world? Continue reading
Now, we can’t change the words of Jesus, but we can ignore them, and ignore them we have. And we preachers have perhaps been most guilty at this point. Soft pedaling Jesus’ message, demands, and example is one way to attract crowds, increase membership, and multiply financial assets. Continue reading
We all know that justice without love can become self-righteous and just plain mean. Jesus frequently condemned such mean self-righteousness and warned those guilty of such arrogance that they may be shocked at the “justice” they may receive from a loving and holy God. Continue reading
(15 minutes) Wonder is the reason we seek to know any reality whatsoever. (Nicholas of Cusa) Nicholas of Cusa (1400-1464 CE) was a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church who served in Greece. Because of the prominence of the Greek Eastern Orthodox Church in that part of the world, Nicholas… Continue reading
(9 minutes) During the 2016 Presidential campaign, Donald Trump held up a copy of his The Art of the Deal and called it his second favorite book. He told his audience that his favorite book was the Bible. He then said, “I’m a good Christian.” I have to admit that… Continue reading
We are in the season of ghosts, goblins, jack-o-lanterns, and trick-or-treaters. For all practical purposes, Halloween has become for us a secular holiday of spooky fun and kids gorging on candy. The name Halloween comes from the phrase “All Hallows Even” or “All Hallow (Saints) Eve.” Halloween is the evening… Continue reading
In some ways the Whistle Stop Café became church for people who would not have been comfortable or welcomed in the traditional churches in that community. Continue reading
